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The Uninvited (1944) [The Criterion Collection #677]

Posted By: Efgrapha

Date: 28 Nov 2014 17:33:49

The Uninvited is one of the rare Hollywood ghost stories that does not cop out with a "logical" ending. In fact, the film has more in common with British ghost tales of the period, in that the characters calmly accept spectral visitations as though they were everyday occurrences. Roderick Fitzgerald (Ray Milland) and his sister, Pamela (Ruth Hussey), buy a house on the Cornish seacoast, never suspecting that it is a "bad" house, subject to haunting. Before long, Roderick and Pamela are visited by Stella Meredith (Gail Russell), whose late mother, it is said, is the house ghost. It is further supposed that the ghost means to do Stella harm. Stella's grandfather Commander Beech (Donald Crisp) is close-mouthed on the issue, but it is clear he knows something that he isn't telling. Sure enough, there is a secret to the manor: it is inhabited by not one but two ghosts, one of whom is merely trying to shield Stella from harm. Once the film's deep dark secret is revealed (courtesy of a virtuoso "mad speech" by supporting actress Cornelia Otis Skinner), Roderick is able to single-handedly exorcise the estate and claim Stella as his bride. Based on the novel by Dorothy Macardle (with a few uncredited "lifts" from Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca), The Uninvited remains one of the spookiest "old dark house" films ever made, even after years of inundation by computer-generated special effects. Less effective was the 1945 sequel, The Unseen, which starts well but degenerates into a substandard murder mystery.

Synopsis by Hal Erickson, Allmovie.com

Most horror movies, especially those made after the 1960s or thereabouts, tend to be loud, busy, and full of big moments. The Uninvited is a bit of an anomaly, being for the most part rather more nuanced and understated. Yet, it still manages to provide suspense, thrills, and chills and comes off as immensely satisfying. Like some of the films of Val Lewton, it's more concerned with suggesting rather that showing, and therefore lets the viewer's imagination work harder and for greater rewards. Of course, this would count for little and indeed would backfire if the screenplay and direction were less polished and assured; fortunately, both are top-notch – atmospheric, taut, inevitable yet surprising, and filled with delightful touches. The Uninvited is greatly aided by its cast, especially Ray Milland, who is charming, debonair and commanding; Donald Crisp, who is appealingly gruff; a delightful Ruth Hussey; and Cornelia Otis Skinner, who gives a wonderful lunatic turn. True, Gail Russell is slightly bland, but she doesn't really damage the film – especially not as shot by Charles B. Lang, whose cinematography is top-notch throughout and is key to the film's ultimate effectiveness. The Uninvited is highly recommended, whether one is a ghost flick fan or not.

Review by Craig Butler, Allmovie.com

IMDB 7,5/10 from 5 356 users

Wiki

Director: Lewis Allen

Writers: Dodie Smith (screenplay), Frank Partos (screenplay), Dorothy Macardle (novel)

Cast: Ray Milland, Gail Russell, Ruth Hussey, Donald Crisp, Cornelia Otis Skinner